California Environmental Policy Council

The California Environmental Policy Council (CEPC) was originally established by the Environmental Protection Permit Reform Act of 1993 to designate a consolidated permit agency for applicants for environmental permits from multiple environmental agencies. In 1999 CEPC functions were expanded to review multimedia environmental evaluations of new motor vehicle fuels. The Air Resources Board (ARB) may not adopt any regulation that establishes a motor vehicle fuel specification unless a multimedia evaluation conducted by affected agencies and coordinated by the ARB is reviewed by the CEPC.

Council Members

Matthew Rodriquez, Agency Secretary (CEPC Chair)

Mary D. Nichols, Chairman, ARB

Lauren Ziese, Acting Director, OEHHA

Felicia Marcus, Chairman, SWRCB

Brian Leahy, Director, DPR

Barbara A. Lee, Director, DTSC

Ken DaRosa, Acting Director, CalRecycle

Upcoming Meetings

A public meeting to consider the ARB evaluation entitled, “Multimedia Evaluations of Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel and the Air Resources Board’s Proposed Alternative Diesel Fuel Regulation” is scheduled for June 23, 2015 at 9:00 AM in Sacramento, CA.

According to HSC 43830.8, the ARB may not adopt any regulation that establishes a specification for motor vehicle fuel unless that regulation, and a multimedia evaluation conducted by affected agencies and coordinated by the state board, are reviewed by the California Environmental Policy Council established in Public Resources Code Section 71017. The multimedia evaluation for any rule proposed for adoption by the Council must go through an external scientific peer review. (HSC. 57004) The CEPC shall determine whether the proposed regulation will cause significant adverse impact on public health or environment, whether less adverse alternatives exist.